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Computer Generations 1
A Brief History of Computer Generations
Joshua J. Reynolds
The first computer was probably the abacus, which was used about
5,000 years ago in Asia Minor. As we know them today, computers were
first used just after the Second World War, around 1945. Since then,
several computer advancements have occurred that make it possible to
classify computer power by one of the significant advancements that can be
associated with particular time periods or generations. The following
paragraphs summarize the major developments that occurred in each of
these generations.
First- Generation Computers
The first generation of computers generally runs from 1945 to 1956.
During this time, the first vacuum tube computer, the ENIAC, was invented.
The first commercial computer was called the UNIVAC, and it was used by
the U.S. Census Bureau. It was also used to predict President Eisenhower’s
victory in the 1952 presidential election (Baker, 2003).
Second-Generation Computers
During this period, 1956 to 1963, computers were run by transistors.
These computers were known for their ability to accept instructions for a
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specific function that could be stored within the computer’s memory. This is
also the period when COBOL and FORTRAN were used for computer
operations. The entire software industry began in this generation.
Third-Generation Computers
This computer generation ran from 1964 to 1971, and it is
characterized by the use of integrated circuits to replace the transistors
from the previous generation. As a result of this invention, computes
became smaller, faster, and more powerful (Diaz & Moore, 2004).
Fourth-Generation Computers
This generation is placed in the 1971 to 1999 time category. Again,
computers became smaller and faster, and the Intel chip was responsible for
most of the changes taking place in this 29-year period. Because of the
rapid miniaturization that took place with the chip, the CPU, memory, and
input/output controls could now be placed on a single chip. Computers were
becoming faster and faster; and they were being used in everyday items
such as microwave ovens, televisions, automobiles.
Fifth-Generation Computers
According to Allen, the turn of the century marks this generation, and
it will be associated with artificial intelligence, spoken word instructions, and
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superconductor technology, which allows electricity to flow with little or no
resistance (2005, p. 130).